NEIGHBOURS have spoken of their shock after the death of a woman in an explosion and fire at the Bedford House flats in Guildford on Monday evening.

The body of the 45-year-old victim was found by emergency crews at the scene, while a 57-year-old man - named by neighbours as Mark Essex - is at a specialist hospital burns unit with serious injuries.

Amy Green, 20, who lives on the same floor as the flat where the blaze broke out shortly before 5.30pm, was evacuated from the block with her three-year-old disabled son, Riley.

She said: "I had my television up loud so I didn't hear the bang of the explosion, but police were banging on my door saying we had to get out. I got my son ready and went outside and there was smoke everywhere.

"To me, the smoke smelled kind of rubbery and it wasn't like the normal sort of food-burning smell. We got ushered to the Friary Centre. I was quite calm - I just wanted to make sure my son was OK."

Ms Green praised the work of British Red Cross volunteers at the scene, describing them as "very helpful". She was able to return to her home at around 8pm.

Nellie and Harold Heard, who have lived in the building for 33 years, said they were treated to biscuits and hot drinks by the volunteers.

Mr Heard said: "I know the guy who was hurt by sight, but that's it.

"I wasn't worried for our safety. The police were very good.

"But it did get very cold when we were out there. One girl didn't have shoes - they had dropped everything and ran."

An elderly female resident, who did not want to be named, added: "Me and my daughter were just about to have a meal and I was putting the plates on the table when there was a knock at the door and a police woman said we had to go absolutely immediately.

"I saw a man being helped or escorted by what must have been police officers and he looked in a very poor state and completely dazed. There was a lot of smoke."